432 



XCVII. LYTHEARIE^. 



contain free acids united to a certain quantity of sugar, whence result various medicinal properties ; 

 some possess a small quantity of volatile oil or balsamic resin, which renders them stimulating. The 

 hark, the fruit, and especially the leaves of some others contain colouring principles. 



[The berries of Melastoma are edible, but dye the mouth black, whence the name {Melastoma) ; 

 others yield yellow, black and red dyes. — Ed.] 



XCVII. LYTHRARTEyE. 



(Salicari^, Lythkakie^, Jussieu. — CALTCANTHEMiE, Ventenat. — Ltthraoe.^, 



Lindl.) 



Lyihrum. Flower (mag.). 



Lythrum. Diagram. 



Lythrum. 

 Vertical section of 

 seed ^mag.). 



Lythrum. Flower cut vertically (mag.). 



Ltjlhrttm. 

 Embryo (mag.). 



Lythrum. 

 Pistil (mag.). 



Lythrum Salicaria. 



Calyx free. Corolla polypetalous, perigynous, iso- diplo- 

 or triplo-stemonous, imbricate in bud, rarely 0. Stamens inserted 

 on the calyx-tube. Ovary with 2 or several many-ovuled cells. 

 Embryo exalbuminous. 



Herbs, shrubs or trees. Leaves opposite or wliorled, 

 rarely opposite and alternate on tlie same plant, simple, 

 penninerved, entire, petioled or sessile, sometimes punctate- 



